The Missoni family in Jan. 2010. (L-R) Vittorio, Angela, Ottavio and Rosita posing in front of the Duomo cathedral Photo: AFP/Getty Images

The Missoni family are refusing to give up hope in finding Vittorio Missoni — but say they will use a deep-sea submarine to search for the possible wreckage the plane that disappeared off the Venezuela coast on Jan. 4. In a statement released last night, his brother Luca Missoni said, “[We] continue to hope for the safe return of Vittorio.” But while the family are clinging to hope that he and his fellow passengers are alive, Luca said the search of the area would continue. And as well as surface, air and coastal searches, they will also be using a research submarine to find any possible wreckage. “I will personally return to Caracas in February to oversee the continuing underwater search being carried out by submarine Deep Sea, a specially equipped vessel for deep water searches,” Luca said.